Ingredientsappropriate tools to measure and draw a circle and sigila pre-planned and focused intent of the desired use of the circle iron or silver filings (optional) an athame or other personal tool to represent an act of will (optional) DescriptionThis is a re-post of a circle-cast which was one of my first offerings to the sight. As such it suffered from some formatting problems. And by problems I mean formatting was completely absent. A couple years (and a profile change) later, and I'm finally getting around to making a new, cleaned up version.
Spell CastingThe spell has several uses much like any traditional circle you would draw, and can include; protection, healing, cleansing of a sacred space, and of course as preparation for working a spell or rite/ritual. As such the circle will follow the intent you hold while making it so feel free to incorporate the process into other magics you wish to perform. Typically I draw this circle as a stand-alone when I want to create a small place of power by tapping into elemental energy and the earth's ley-lines/dragon-lines. The shape of the dragon's eye sigil is designed to focus energy to a single point, and the circle acts to hold that energy within its boundary. To make a temporary or one-time use circle, simply draw it wherever is most convenient for what you intend to do. Ideally it should be a place where you are not likely to be disturbed for the duration of your working. A natural setting where you can make the circle a part of the ground such as in earth among trees, in sand at a beach, or in chalk on the stone of a cave or cliff/rock is all the better. For a more permanent circle, you can draw it into a large cloth or heavy fabric to carry around with you and place where needed. Or of course you can incorporate the circle into your altar room, perhaps on a throw rug. ---------------- Drawing the circle; 1) Draw your circle using your personal height as the diameter. This is the representation of your connection to and ownership of the circle. Any medium works, so pick based on where the circle is. Mark the ground with a branch or knife for earthen places, chalk for a harder surface or one you don't want damaged/carved. A thin line of salt will also do in a pinch. *tip* place a tent stake or weight into/onto the ground and tie a string to it that is measured to half your height. Then just go around the circle with it stretched out to draw a smooth one every time. 2) imagine a clock face on the circle, with 12:00 being oriented at north. Estimate as close as you can three points on the circle, and mark them just inside the boundary. One at about the 2:00 hour, one at 6:00 hour, and one at 10:00. now draw lines to connect the 10:00 to the 2:00, 2:00 to the 6:00 and of course the 6:00 to the 10:00, forming a triangle. 3) find a point as close to the middle of the triangle as you can. If there is a mark from the tent peg you used earlier, then you'll have an easy landmark. Draw straight lines connecting each corner of the triangle to that central point. It should now look like a triangle made up of triangles, or like a pyramid as if you were looking straight down at it from above. *tip* If you want to deepen the protective nature of the circle, you can also lay seven or twelve stones in sun-wise (clockwise) order, placing each down with a spoken personal affirmation of protection. I tend to use twelve, with a Go-to statement along these lines; "I place this stone as I build this wall. The light of the twelve star-houses protects me." 4) When the drawing of the circle is completed (and the stones are laid), return to the east/3:00 side of the circle. Reach down and smooth out/un-mark an area of the circle that is only wide enough for you to step through. If you placed stones, lift the one from the 3:00 position and keep it with you until you are ready to begin the intended working. This will be the key to your 'door'. 5) Extras; if you have some fine iron or silver filings, you can sprinkle them about within the circle to act as a symbolic conductor of the energies you wish to draw up from below. You can also light incense, or use a singing bowl or chimes to represent the energy you wish to draw from above. Also, if this circle is being drawn as a part of a larger spell or ritual then this is when you would bring within any tools and offerings you plan to use to call your corners and otherwise do your working. ------------------- Closing/empowering the circle; 1) When it is time to use the circle and you have done all other preparations for your chosen intent, step to the 'door' to your circle and center yourself. A simple breathing exercise suffices. If you have a statement or affirmation you typically use to mark the beginning your magic rituals, you can do that now. If you laid stones, make sure you have the one you took with you when the circle was drawn. If you have a personal symbol of will that is not being included with the rest of your ritual like an athame, spear, sword, staff, or even just a sturdy stick, have that with you as well. 2) Step into the circle with confidence and full intent to use it for the task that it was built. You have stepped into your magical space and have begun your working. Turn and draw closed the line of the circle so that it is once again complete. If you used stones in building the circle, place down the one you should have with you into the eastern gate. If you'd like, give a final affirmation. With the theme of laying them before, I state "The stone is Laid, the wall is built, the lock is sealed." as I set it down. 3) Stand at the center of the circle, over the focal point of the dragon's eye. Raise your arms to shoulder height, palms upwards or outwards, your symbol of will (if you are using one) in your dominant hand. Breathe in, visualize yourself in a place of strength, authority, and focused will. Breathe out that energy out into your circle. 4)Repeat the mindful breath in. As you do, draw your hands together in front of you at chest height, elbows comfortably bent, repeating your visualization. Time the out-breath to once your hands meet. Release the second wave of energy into your circle to empower the first. 5)Finally keep your hands together and raise them up slightly, to the height of your brow while breathing in. While breathing in, repeat the visualization of building energy within for a third time. Once the breath in is completed, without hesitation blow it out firmly in a huff and thrust your hands downward. If you have a symbol of will, insert it into the ground just inside your circle at he 12:00/north position. Imagine the built energy following the gesture to fill the ground/floor of your circle and empower the drawn lines within, connecting them into a single continuous, unbroken line of light that glows upward and downward. Imagine that energy connecting to the flowing energy of the dragon-lines of the earth and the nebulous strands of the aurora in the sky. You may now use the circle. This is where I usually sit at the center and meditate to raise my vibration to the highest state I can reach, letting the energies all collect and feed each-other to resonate within the circle. After a short time I imagine myself a bridge, allowing the healing and supportive energy of the earth to flow up my body from the soles of my feet through to upwards from the top of my head, and simultaneously imagine the highest vibration I can reach of spirit energy running through me from the top of my head through downwards to flowing out of my feet into the ground. Basically I allow myself to become a pipe to let earth and spirit energy connect into and feed/balance and heal each-other. For me it is a very powerful experience and can make a sacred space absolutely humm. Done even semi-regularly it can change the subtle atmosphere of the whole place for an enduring time. -------------------- Opening/releasing the circle; When you are finished with your task, and any summoned spirits/guides/guardians/etc are dismissed and the magic working is fully concluded, simply touch your palm to the place you earlier thrust your hand (or take a hold of your symbol of will) and lift it gently from the spot. While lifting, mentally let go of the pent up energy and imagine it flowing away and fading like a morning mist. If you are keeping the circle in place for future use or to continue the working the next day/night, simply smooth out the eastern side of your circle and/or lift the stone at the 3:00 position and step out. Otherwise if you are finished with the space, clean up the site as you would any other circle by rubbing or washing out the circle and sigil. All that is left is to continue on your way. Magic spells for everyone, anytime, any occasion.
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